It really depends on the vibe you're trying to go for. If you wanted something more upbeat probably the early to mid 2000's or early 70's. Something more depressing probably the late 70's early 80's following the family of a steel worker. Honestly though I really wish they'd do a Pittsburgh show that made even a half hearted attempt at being faithful to the Pittsburgh/Western PA region. Seems to me most media set here ignores the accent, assumes the culture is a copy of NY or Philly culture. There are similarities for sure, but most places around Pittsburgh have more in common with other Appalachian areas like WV than they do any east coast city.

Like him or not I personally think Pittsburgh Dad's short films would be great if they were adapted into an actual show or movie. Granted you'd have to make some references non Pittsburghers could relate to and appreciate. But I just wish for once Pittsburgh got treated the way movies set in places like Boston are treated and they made an actual attempt to make it seem like these characters were from here.

Edit: In all fairness though that 70's show was pretty depressing in the beginning under the surface level. The show is largely seen through the eyes of Eric so we see the fun teenage shenanigans he and his friends get into. But in the background the household is really struggling and everything is sort of falling apart from Red's perspective, until he gets his job at the supermarket. That said though while Eric is aware, and by proxy we're aware, he still gets to be a kid and is always provided for. Hell they even take in his best friend. So to some degree he never really knows how bad it got. So I guess if they wanted to do something similar in the 80's set in Pittsburgh they could and still make it somewhat upbeat.